| What is Ritalin?
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Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Ritalin?
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Ritalin side effects may include inability to fall or stay asleep and nervousness.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common or rare Ritalin side effects may include
abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, abnormal muscular movements, blood pressure changes, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, hair loss, headache, hives, jerking, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat), pulse changes, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish skin spots, skin reddening, skin inflammation with peeling, skin rash, Tourette's syndrome (severe twitching),
and weight loss during long-term treatment. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are
more common Ritalin side effects. |
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| How is Ritalin taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Ritalin provided by your doctor. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. It is recommended that
Ritalin be taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals. If the drug interferes with sleep, give the child the last dose before 6 p.m.
Ritalin-SR is a long-acting form of the drug, taken less
frequently. They should be swallowed whole, never crushed or chewed. If you miss a
dose give it to the child as soon as you remember. Give the remaining doses for the day at regularly spaced intervals.
Do not take
two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Ritalin with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Ritalin. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Ritalin with antiseizure drugs, antidepressant drugs, blood thinners,
clonidine, drugs that restore blood pressure, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors,
or phenylbutazone. |
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| How should I store Ritalin?
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Store Ritalin at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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